2006: Florida 41, Ohio State 14

2006: Florida 41, Ohio State 14

Stephen M. Dowell, Orlando Sentinel

Ohio State was No. 1 and Florida was No. 2, but the buildup to this title match was about how badly the star-laden Buckeyes were going to beat a Gators team headed by unheralded senior quarterback Chris Leak. When Ted Ginn Jr. returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, it looked like the game would be a rout. And it was . . . for the Gators. Florida stormed back and played almost perfect football. It led 34-14 at the break, and defensively the Gators swarmed Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, sacking him five times. Here, UF coach Urban Meyer hugs receiver Percy Harvin in celebration in the final moments.

Ohio State was No. 1 and Florida was No. 2, but the buildup to this title match was about how badly the star-laden Buckeyes were going to beat a Gators team headed by unheralded senior quarterback Chris Leak. When Ted Ginn Jr. returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, it looked like the game would be a rout. And it was . . . for the Gators. Florida stormed back and played almost perfect football. It led 34-14 at the break, and defensively the Gators swarmed Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, sacking him five times. Here, UF coach Urban Meyer hugs receiver Percy Harvin in celebration in the final moments. (Stephen M. Dowell, Orlando Sentinel)

Ohio State was No. 1 and Florida was No. 2, but the buildup to this title match was about how badly the star-laden Buckeyes were going to beat a Gators team headed by unheralded senior quarterback Chris Leak. When Ted Ginn Jr. returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, it looked like the game would be a rout. And it was . . . for the Gators. Florida stormed back and played almost perfect football. It led 34-14 at the break, and defensively the Gators swarmed Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, sacking him five times. Here, UF coach Urban Meyer hugs receiver Percy Harvin in celebration in the final moments.